Central Okanagan, B.C. - 2011 by Community Foundations of Canada

2011

Methodology

Contents Introduction

Methodology | 2

Board Chair Message | 3 Your Guide | 3

Indicators

Learning | 4

We are pleased to share the 2011 Central Okanagan’s VitalSigns® report. Vital Signs® is a program of Community Foundations of Canada. As part of our leadership role, community foundations across our country strive to be community catalysts committed to growing legacies and enhancing the quality of life in our communities. In this, our second VitalSigns® report, we look forward to building community knowledge and promoting awareness about our community’s strengths through the publication of scientifically valid and credible data, as well as by measuring the perceptions of community members throughout our region. Through this awareness our foundation, our donors and other funders have developed a deeper understanding of the many issues facing our community, as well as the tremendous strengths of our community. This in turn helps guide the work of charitable organizations, generate discussions, inform policy change, focus community leadership activities, and encourage philanthropy in the Central Okanagan. We hope you enjoy our 2011 Central Okanagan VitalSigns® report and that it encourages you to take action at whatever level you can. Alone we can go fast… but together we can go far. Central Okanagan Foundation The Central Okanagan Foundation is a public foundation created by and for the people of our community. We work with private donors, service clubs, businesses, and charitable organizations to stimulate charitable giving, establish permanent endowment funds, and support initiatives that make an ongoing difference in our community and beyond. For more information about the Central Okanagan Foundation or the Central Okanagan VitalSigns® report go to, www.centralokanaganfoundation.org

Collecting the Data Data was collected from a variety of national, provincial and local sources. This ensures the indicators are accurate and comprehensive. Data was provided by SPARC BC (Social Planning and Research Council of BC) as well as Community Foundations of Canada, who retained the Center for the Study of Living Standards to undertake national research, and provide additional expertise. The sources and links are included in the online version of this VitalSigns® report. Community Opinionnaire Thank you to the many Central Okanagan residents who took the time to participate in our opinionnaire. Hundreds of Central Okanagan residents signed up to be graders, assigning grades to the 11 key issue areas. The community grading is a nonscientific voluntary way to participate in VitalSigns® by expressing opinions and establishing priorities for action. Grading The issue areas used in the Central Okanagan VitalSigns® report have been graded using a report card scale of A, B,C,D, and F. A: Very good: stay the course B: Good: but some improvements could be made C: Fair: Suggest additional effort be made D: Poor: Substantial additional work is required F: Fail: immediate action is crucial

How you can use VitalSigns® READ: Find out about our community by reading VitalSigns®. See where the gaps are, what assets we have and identify the trends. DISCUSS: Reading the report is the first step, but we can’t keep the knowledge to ourselves. Talk about the issues that are most important to you with your neighbours, co-workers, family and friends. LEARN: Pick out the issues in the report that you feel strongest about and learn more. Research on the internet, call local agencies, and take the time to understand as much of the issues as possible. REFLECT: No asset or issue exists in isolation; all have an impact on each other. Your support of an issue creates new possibilities throughout our community.

ACT: Advocate, initiate, and participate. There are plenty of things we can do in our own lives to affect change, and plenty more that we can do and/or speak up about. Here, in this report, you will find small, tangible things that we all can do as individuals and families to make a difference.

A Canadian Initiative with an Okanagan Focus In 2009 when our first VitalSigns® Report was released it was greeted with both enthusiasm and optimism. Seeing our second report come together in 2011 has been a source of pride and continued commitment to becoming catalysts for change. How better to focus our efforts and create dialogue than to constantly ask ourselves where are we now, and how far are we from where we want to be? While we are privileged to live in one of the most beautiful places in the country, we still have challenges in many areas. In the coming years we look forward to moving the needle on some of our most pressing concerns, while recognizing the importance of identifying areas in which we are doing well and taking the time to celebrate our successes. Our thanks to our VitalSigns® Project Coordinator, Cheryl Miller and Assistant Project Coordinator, Jessica Goerzen and their team of volunteers for putting together a realistic and provocative snap shot of our community. As you read through the second edition of Central Okanagan’s VitalSigns® we hope you are motivated to learn, question, and even to take action. On behalf of the Board and staff of Central Okanagan Foundation and all the not-for-profit groups, volunteers, and donors who make our community a better place to live… we hope you enjoy Vital Signs® 2011. Leanne Hammond Komori, Executive Director

Louise Elliott, Board Chair

SHARE: Help spread the word. Give a copy of Central Okanagan’s Vital Signs® to your neighbours and help them get involved.

3 3

Learning Opportunities to acquire knowledge are important throughout our lives. Levels of learning are shaped by our home environment, our education system, and other institutions such as libraries, child care facilities, workplaces and community centres.

Community members report general satisfaction with the educational opportunities available in the Central Okanagan. The biggest barrier to accessing these opportunities is affordability. Community citizen graders also saw a need for more educational programs for at-risk youth.

Community Grade

B-

45.0%

16.3%

The proportion of grade 3 Aboriginal students at risk in terms of literacy in the Central Okanagan has declined by 45.0%. Rates dropped from 29.0% in 2008, to 20.0% in 2009 and 16.0% in 2010.

In 2010, 16.3% of the Central Okanagan population (15 years and over) had not completed high school. This is 1.2% lower than the provincial average and 19.2% lower than the national average.

In 2010 Central Okanagan’s score on the Composite Learning Index (CLI)* was 79.This was 5.3 % higher than the national average. The CLI* is Canada’s annual measure of progress in lifelong learning.

Source: School District 23, Superintendents Mid-Year Report on Achievement 2010/2011

Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey by special request, program A050705.

Source: Canadian Council on Learning. CLI Scores, 2006-2010 by special request for CMAs and CAs

Link: http://www.sd23.bc.ca/PDF/Superin tendent's%20Report%20on%20Achi evement%202010%20Final.pdf

Link: http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca/rpt2 011/IV-3-a.pdf

Link: http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca/rpt201 1/IV-4.pdf

Did you know… A safe, inspirational and relaxed learning environment is available to those 50 years and better at SLR Society for Learning in Retirement where Lifelong learning is the mainstay. A wide range of programs from book clubs, writers’ groups, pottery, politics, travel, painting, photography, astronomy, geography, geology, and more are offered for a nominal fee in three terms from September to June. View the programs on the website at www.slrkelowna.ca *CLI: The CLI is Canada’s annual measure of progress in lifelong learning. It is based on a combination of statistical indicators that reflect the many ways Canadians learn, whether in school, in the home, at work or within the community.

Getting Started In thinking about the different transitions that we make through our lives, “getting started” can apply to different aspects of community life. This may include measures focusing on giving children and youth the best possible start in life, as well as creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for newcomers to our communities.

Community graders rated availability of affordable and

Community Grade

accessible child care as the highest priority for Getting Started. The need for more after school programs for youth was also ranked high.

13.7%

15.4%

In 2010, the youth (15-24 years old) unemployment rate in our CMA* was 13.7%. This was below the national rate of 14.8% and the provincial rate of 13.8%.

Child care spaces increased 15.4% between 2008 and 2010. Availability grew from 3368 spaces in 2008 to 3886 spaces in 2010.

Source: Statistics Canada. Labour Force Survey. Special request.

Source: Kelowna Childcare Society 2010/2011 Annual Report Link: no link available

Link: http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca/rpt 2011/VI-4-b-i.pdf

22.9% In 2010, 22.9% of Central Okanagan children scored “vulnerable” on at least one scale of development on the EDI.** This rate is up compared to 20.0% in 2009, yet down from 27.0% in 2008.

Source: Early Development Instrument, School District 23, EDI Community Summary, 2010. Link: www.earlylearning.ubc.ca

C 3579 From 2001 to 2010, the Central Okanagan region gained 3579 people due to net international migration.*** In one year alone, between 2009 and 2010, we gained a total of 653 people due to net international migration. Source: Statistics Canada. Annual Migration Estimates by Census Division/Census Metropolitan Area. Cansim Table 111-0029. Link: http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca/rpt20 11/VI-1-c.pdf

How the Foundation is helping… In direct response to the 2004/05-2006/07 EDI data in the 2009 VitalSigns® report The Central Okanagan Foundation joined with the United Way’s Success By 6 initiative to form a unique partnership of foundations, business and government to foster mutually beneficial funding partnerships for high impact early development projects in the Central Okanagan. *Our CMA: Refers to the Kelowna CMA (Census Metropolitan Area) which includes Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland and West Kelowna **EDI: The Early Development Instrument (EDI) monitors the state of B.C children at kindergarten entry and gathers information on their development in five key areas including language, cognitive, social, emotional and physical health. ***Net Migration: Net migration rate is the difference of immigrants and emigrants of an area in a period of time.

Did You Know… Okanagan College, School District No.23 and the Economic Development Commission are partnering again to organize the 17th Annual Young Entrepreneur Program (YEP) Dragon’s Den Edition for 2011. The YEP has a proud tradition of developing young business professionals. The Young Entrepreneur Program creates an opportunity for middle school and secondary school student to develop their business and entrepreneur skills. For more information visit, 5 http://www.investkelowna.com

Environment The Central Okanagan is known for its unique and sought after physical environment. In looking at the environment it is important to consider measures to help build resilience, as well as address issues related to climate change including measures which support conservation and adaptation.

The community grader discussion regarding the environment was focused on conserving the things that make the Central Okanagan beautiful. Community members expressed the importance to conserve our water as well as improve curbside recycling and implementing curbside compost pickup.

44.0% In 2009, 44.0% of all households in the Central Okanagan reported composting their kitchen waste. This is higher than the provincial rate of 42.0%. Source: Calculated by the CSLS using a micro-data file based on the Households and the Environment Survey (HES) by Statistics Canada. Link: http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca/rp t2011/VIII-5.pdf

6 4

50.0% In 2011, 50.0% of all curbside waste (including recycling and yard waste) collected in the Central Okanagan was diverted from the landfill.

Source: Central Okanagan Regional District, Waste Reduction, Peter Rotheisler, personal communication, 2011

Community Grade

B675 In 2010, the average amount of water that Okanagan residents use per person, per day is 675 liters. This is more than twice the Canadian average. Source: Okanagan Basin Water Board, 2011 Link: http://www.obwb.ca/wsd/wate r-usage/residential-water-use

Did you know…

How you can help…

The most recent survey done by the Regional District of Central Okanagan found 37% of the residential garbage currently sent to the landfill is recyclable.

Before heading to the garbage, consider if it is recyclable. Check out, www.regionaldistrict.com for a list of recyclable materials.

Source: Regional District of Central Okanagan, “Recycling: What to Recycle” Link:http://www.regionaldistrict.com/departm ents/waste/waste_recy_bluebag.aspx

The BC SCRAP-IT® Program is a voluntary early retirement vehicle program that provides incentives to help British Columbians replace higher polluting vehicles with cleaner forms of transportation. The program is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to lower exhaust pollutants across the province. All scrapped vehicles and their components are permanently and properly recycled. For more information on this great initiative go to, www.scrapit.ca

Health & Wellness One’s general health status can play a role in one’s overall sense of vitality and well-being. Health can include both physical and mental health as well as healthy lifestyle choices.

Central Okanagan community graders prioritized access

Community Grade

to mental health services as the primary need in the

B-

“Health and Wellness” topic area. In addition, community members are concerned about access to affordable local foods.

48.0%

22.9%

66.9%

In the Okanagan Health Service Delivery Area the obesity rate for the population aged 18 and over rose from 12.3% in 2009, to 18.2% in 2010. This mirrors the national rate of 18.1% but is significantly higher than the 2010 provincial rate of 13.3%

In 2010, 22.9% of the population in the Okanagan Health Service Delivery Area (aged 12 and over) reported they experience “quite a lot of stress” on most days. This is up from 21.5% in 2009. It is also above the 2010 provincial level of 22.8% but below the national level of 23.5%.

In 2010, 66.9% respondents in the Okanagan Health Service Delivery Area rated their mental health as “excellent” or “very good.” This is below the national rate of 73.9% and below the provincial rate of 71.6%.

Source: Statistics Canada. Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). 2005-2010 : CANSIM table 105-0501 Link:http://www.vitalsignscanad a.ca/rpt2011/III-3.pdf

Source: Statistics Canada. Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), CANSIM table105-0501. Link: http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca/rpt2 011/III-14.pdf

How the Foundation is helping…

Source: Statistics Canada. Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), CANSIM table105-0501. Link: http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca/r pt2011/III-7.pdf

11.6% In the Okanagan Health Service Delivery Area, 11.6% of respondents aged 12 and over in 2010 reported that they did not have a regular MD. This is well below the provincial and national numbers for respondents without a regular MD.

Source: Statistics Canada. Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), CANSIM table1050501. Link: http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca/rpt 2011/III-10.pdf

Did you know…

The Central Okanagan Foundation granted to the John Howard There are eleven community gardens in the Central Okanagan. Society of the Central and South Okanagan to assist with the costs The Central Okanagan Foundation has granted to the to build a garden at Bedford Place, a supportive recovery home for men. Michaelbrook and Winfield Community Gardens. Community gardens are a key element in making cities socially and Did you know… environmentally sustainable. Community gardens contribute to the well-being of our community by stimulating social interaction, In 2010, our local Substance Use Services with Community encouraging self-reliance, providing nutritious food, reducing Integrated Services (Interior Health Authority) received 949 referrals family food budgets, reducing crime, preserving green space and and as of December 31, 2010 had 1520 clients currently receiving creating an opportunity for recreation, exercise, therapy, and wellness services. education.

Housing Access to stable and affordable housing plays an important role in contributing to making our community vibrant, as well as in providing families and individuals with a sense of security and stability. Key housing related measures include affordability, equity and housing diversity, with access to affordable housing playing a central role in contributing to complete communities.

Community Grade Community graders expressed strong concerns about affordability and access to housing in the Central Okanagan. More specifically, community members focused on the need for subsidized housing for women and the elderly.

110.3%

1489

In 2010, the vacancy rate in our CMA was 3.9%, up from 3.6% in 2009. In 2011, the vacancy rate shot up to 8.2%, a 110.3% increase from 2010. These figures represent the rental vacancy rates for 2-bedroom rental townhouse and apartment units.

In 2010, Kelowna was ranked the 38th most expensive place to live world-wide. Other Canadian cities considered “severely unaffordable” were Vancouver rated 1, Victoria 8, Abbotsford 25 and Toronto 57. The five most affordable Canadian cities were Thunderbay and Windsor, ON, Moncton, NB, Saguenay, QC, and St. John, NL.

In Kelowna there was an estimated 1489 individuals who met the hidden homeless criteria in 2011. Comparatively, Kamloops had an estimate of 1167 individuals who met the hidden homelessness criteria in 2011. Hidden homelessness refers to individuals who temporarily live with relatives, friends, neighbours or strangers and are “hidden” because they do not access homeless supports and services.

Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, “Housing Market Information: Rental Market Statistics.” Link: http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca/rpt20 11/V-3.pdf

C-

Source: 6th Annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey: 2010 Link: http://www.fcpp.org/publication.php/3 153

Source: SPARC BC, Hidden Homeless Survey “Knowledge for Action Research Report,” 2011 Link: http://www.sparc.bc.ca/resources-andpublications/category/45-affordable-housing-ahomelessness

Did you know…

In 2010, twenty-six Central Okanagan supportive and recovery homes provided safe accommodation for 551 men & women seeking abstinence from alcohol and/or other drugs as well as healthier living. Twenty-six recovery homes, some of which include Kelowna’s Gospel Mission recovery programs, John Howard Society, Crossroads, NOW Canada, Karis, Freedom’s Door, Ozanam and Teen Challenge.

In 2011 two new apartment complexes opened offering affordable subsidized housing. Apple Valley Senior’s Housing, Society of Hope offers independent living for seniors 55 years and older. One half of the units rent at market rates, while the other half rent related to income. For more information go to, www.societyofhope.org Tutt Street Place, New Opportunities for Women (NOW) Canada provides 39 larger family-type units of affordable, supportive housing for women, and women with children who are homeless, may be at risk of homelessness or who have a proven financial need. For more information go to, www.nowcanada.ca

Arts & Culture The Central Okanagan recognizes the importance of Arts and Culture in crafting our unique identity, and ability to support tourism and economic development. While participation in the arts is high, the strength of the industry in terms of professional opportunities requires development.

Affordability is the top priority for accessing arts and cultural events. Secondly, community members would like to see our unique cultural heritage expressed in our public art and cultural events.

43.0%

10.5%

Community Grade

B55.3%

In 2010, 43.0% of people reported attending at least one theatrical performance in our CMA in the last year. In the same year, 13.0% attended at least one symphonic or classical music concert and 27.0% attended a cultural festival.

In 2010, there were 1700 employed in cultural industries compared to 1900 in 2009. This is a decrease of 10.5% of individuals employed in cultural industries in the Central Okanagan.

Arts and Cultural groups in the Central Okanagan experienced a drop in provincial gaming grant support from $513,733 in 2009 to $229,832 in 2011. This represents a significant drop of 55.3% in support.

Source: Statistics Canada. General Social Survey on Time Use, 2010.

Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, Special Request, program A060804. Link: http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca/rpt20 11/VII-2-b.pdf

Source: Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. Gaming Information and Services, 2009, 2010, 2011 Link: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/gaming/reports/i ndex.htm#six.

Link: http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca/rpt201 1/VII-3.pdf

How the Foundation is helping… The Central Okanagan Foundation granted the Kelowna Ballet Society for the “Falcon’s Trumpet,” a partnership and special initiative between Ballet Kelowna, Okanagan Symphony Orchestra and Creative Studies program at UBCO.

Did you know… June 21st is National Aboriginal Day. Join the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society in the Central Okanagan celebration featuring various activities for the entire family including native crafts for sale, live entertainment and traditional food.

Gap Between Rich & Poor Our ability to be engaged in all aspects of community life is central to our overall quality of life and well-being in the Central Okanagan. This includes meaningful employment, the availability of secure work as well as a living wage. For some members of our community, these opportunities may be more constrained as some groups fall further behind.

Many community graders think that the gap between the rich

Community Grade

and poor is growing. Central Okanagan community members expressed a need for a higher minimum wage, improved employment opportunities and affordable housing.

22.2%

6.3%

Based on the LIM* the pre-tax child poverty rate in our CMA was 22.2% in 2009. This rate of child poverty is 11.5% lower than the provincial average of 25.1% and 4.3% lower than the national average of 23.2%.

Based on the LIM* the 2009 pre-tax elderly poverty rate in our CMA was 6.3%. This is roughly half the provincial and national rates of 12.2% and 12.9% respectively.

Source: Small Area Administrative Data, (Tax Data), 2000-2009. (LIM)

Link: http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca/rpt2 011/I-3-a.pdf

Link: http://www.vitalsignscanada.c a/rpt2011/I-4-a.pdf

2.0%

In 2009, the median annual income of families in our CMA was $67, 070. This was a decrease of 2.0% from $68,430 in 2008 and 2.0% lower than the national level of $68,410 and 0.6% higher than the provincial level of $66,700. Source: Statistics Canada. Canada, Provinces and CMA data from CANSIM Table 1110009, based on tax data. CA data from Statistics Canada special request. Link: http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca /rpt2011/XI-8-b.pdf

D 17.9% Based on the LIM*17.9% of our CMA residents were living in poverty in 2009. This is lower than both the provincial poverty rate of 22.5% and national poverty rate of 21.5%. Source: Small Area Administrative Data, (Tax Data), 2000-2009. (LIM) Link: http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca/ rpt2011/I-2-a.pdf

Did you know…

British Columbia’s minimum wage will increase in three stages to $10.25 by May 1, 2012; the training wage was eliminated, providing more support for B.C workers and families in every region of the province.

In 2011 the living wage for the Central Okanagan was calculated at $16.98 per hour. Comparatively, the living wage for Kamloops is $17.27 per hour, and $18.03 in Victoria.

*LIM: The Low income Measures (LIMs) are published by Statistics Canada, and are based on family size and a percentage of median adjusted family income. Families with incomes below these levels are considered to be living in low income.

“The living wage is calculated for a two parent family with two children aged four and seven. Each parent would need to earn $16.98 an hour to pay for necessities and support the healthy development of their children. It also allows them to participate in the social life of their community while allowing some funds to upgrade their training, skills and education.” -Christene Walsh, Social Development Coordinator at Regional District of Central Okanagan

Safety How safe we feel in our community can affect our overall quality of life. One’s sense of safety and security can be influenced by many different factors. Building a strong sense of safety and security is central to our success in creating a strong, vibrant and livable community.

Community Grade

The main safety concerns for our community graders in the Central Okanagan are drug related and organized crime. Enforcement of traffic laws also scored high.

8.9%

In 2010, there was an 8.9% increase in persons charged with Criminal Code traffic violations. Rates went from 593 per 100 000 in 2009, to 646 per 100 000 in 2010. 57.5% above the national average (410 per 100 000) and 44.6% higher than the provincial rate. (447 per 100 000) Source:Statistics Canada, Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics. Uniform Crime Reporting Survey. Cansim Table 252-0051 Link: http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca/rpt 2011/II-3.pdf

B-

1701

8.4%

9.3%

In 2010, there were 1701 reported cases of violence in relationships in our CMA an increase from 1537 reported cases in 2009. In 2010, Statistics Canada took a one-day snapshot of women’s shelters across Canada and found that 60.0% of women chose not to tell police about their abuse.

In 2010, the overall crime rate in the Central Okanagan was 101.9 offenders per 1000 persons, down 8.4% from 111.2 offenders per 1000 persons in 2009.

In 2009, 873 drug crimes were reported within the Central Okanagan, a 9.0% decrease (-90 offences) from the 963 reported in 2008.

Source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics. Uniform Crime Reporting Survey. Cansim Table 252-0051

Source: Central Okanagan Regional Profile 2009 Link: http://www.pssg.gov.bc. ca/police_services/regio nalprofiles/docs/centralo kanagan.pdf

Source: a) Personal communication with Corporal Amanda Jones, RCMP, 2011 b) The Vancouver Sun, “Most women who seek shelter from partners don’t tell police: StatsCan” 2011 Link:b)http://www.vancouversun.com/news /Most+women+seek+shelter+from+partner s+tell+police+StatsCan/5068734/story.html

How the Foundation is helping…

Did you know…

The Central Okanagan Foundation granted to the Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society Sexual Assault Counselling Centre for costs associated with the “Beginnings for Women” program. The program was developed with the overall goal of restoring security and quality of life for women who have experienced sexual abuse.

The Kelowna and District Safety Council Society promotes safety awareness and accident prevention within Kelowna and the surrounding communities. The Society educates the public about a variety of safety issues and cooperates with other like-minded organizations in an effort to reduce accidents and injuries. For more information, visit www.kdsc.bc.ca

Getting Around The ability to get around is central to our quality of life. It impacts our work, the flow of goods, and the experiences of tourists visiting our area. Our chosen modes of transportation also have a significant impact on the environment.

Generally community graders of the Central Okanagan are excited about the creation of more bike paths, making us a more sustainable and healthy community! There were concerns that our public transit system is not affordable for low-income families.

Community Grade

90.0%

4.4%

1384

There is concern about growing congestion with over 120, 000 registered vehicles in the Central Okanagan. In 2007, 90.0% of our CMA residents commuted to work by car.

On an average weekday from September to December in 2010, there were approximately 16, 053 riders on Kelowna Regional Transit (includes Kelowna, West Kelowna and Lake Country). This is a 4.4% increase from September to December in 2009 (15,382).

Over 1300 cyclists took part in Bike to Work week in 2011. The total amount of Kilometers travelled throughout Bike to Work week in the Central Okanagan was 61 008.87 Km.

Source: RDCO, Regional Growth Strategy Background and Issues Report, May 2011 Link: Currently not online

How the Foundation is helping… The Central Okanagan Foundation granted The UBC Design Centre for Sustainability for a project to support the District of Peachland in their goal of engaging the community in generating a sustainable concept plan for Downtown Peachland. The plan integrated a full spectrum of sustainability issues, including: health, heritage, culture, youth, elders, and 12 environment (including public transit).

Source: Personal communication with Gerald Benjamin, Monitoring Analyst, BC Transit. 2011

Source: Kelowna and Central Okanagan Bike to Work Week, Bike to Work Week 2011: May 30 – June 5 2011 Link: http://www.biketowork.ca/node/8 323/results

Did you know… RapidBus phases 2 and 3 are currently underway in the Central Okanagan. Enhancements include: the extension of RapidBus to West Kelowna, new or upgraded exchanges at Rutland, Pandosy TownCentre, Downtown Kelowna and two in West Kelowna. Also, six new RapidBus stations in West Kelowna and Westbank First Nation

Family Travel… Youth aged 12 and younger ride FREE anytime when travelling with their parent or guardian, who is 19 years or older. Up to four youth can travel with one adult. The adult simply pays the fare using a monthly pass, DayPASS, ProPASS, U-PASS or BC Bus Pass.

Belonging & Leadership Belonging and leadership refers to the types of relationships that exist between people in their community that contribute to a sense of trust, collaboration and inclusion and that help to build a strong sense of belonging in our community.

Community graders commented that there is a need to

Community Grade

strengthen our community’s cohesion. Graders commented on the need for more inclusive services for newcomers, persons with disabilities and engaging youth to vote.

C+

60.3%

73.1%

46.0%

22.0%

The voter turnout in the Central Okanagan for the 2011 Federal Election was 60.3% of the population. This is 2.6% higher than the turnout to the 2008 Federal election.

In 2010, in the Okanagan Health Service Delivery Area, 73.1% of people 12 years and over reported a strong or somewhat strong sense of community belonging. This is higher than the 2009 level of 66.5%. It is also higher than the national average of 65.4% and the provincial average of 69.7%.

46.0% of the Canadian population, 15 and over volunteered for charitable and nonprofit organizations in 2007. This is almost 12.7 million Canadians.

In 2009, 22.0% of tax filers declared charitable donations in our CMA. This is lower than in 2008 (23.7%). It is also lower than the national average of 23.1% but above the provincial average of 21.7%.

Source: Elections Canada, 2008 and 2011 Link: http://www.vitalsignscanada .ca/rpt2011/X-3.pdf

Source: Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), Cansim Table 1050501. Link:http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca/ rpt2011/X-6.pdf

Source: Statistics Canada, “Caring Canadian, Involved Canadians,”2007 Link: http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca /rpt2011/X-2.pdf

How the Foundation is helping… Recognizing the need for both volunteer support and reliable funding within the not for profit sector, the Central Okanagan Foundation is an annual funder of the Okanagan Volunteer Opportunities Fair coordinated by the Community Information and Volunteer Centre, a program of Kelowna Community Resources, www.kcr.ca.

Source: Statistics Canada. Cansim Table 111-0001. CA data obtained by special request. Link: http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca/rpt2 011/X-1.pdf

Did you know… There are a variety of organizations that offer services and programs to out of country newcomers including specialized employment services, translations, advocacy, special events, English lessons, and support with general integration to our Canadian Culture. For a list of available resources contact Kelowna Community Resources at 250.763.8008 or visit http://kelowna.ciocc.ca/

Work The quality and nature of employment opportunities can contribute to the overall sense of vitality and well-being in our community. The measures and indicators set out in this section can refer to the extent to which individuals in your community have access to meaningful employment opportunities that can contribute to a high quality of life as well as the quality and nature of the work.

The main theme identified in the community graders comments about “Work” was a need for expanding employment opportunities in the Central Okanagan.

Community Grade

64.4%

1.6%

The employment rate in our CMA in 2010 was 64.4%. This was 2.8% higher than the national rate of 61.6% and 3.9% higher than the provincial rate of 60.5%.

The proportion of total workers that were involuntary part-time in our Kelowna CMA was 1.6% in 2010. The proportion is below both the national and provincial averages.

The projected job openings in British Columbia over the next 10 years is 1,027,400 . Close to two-thirds of job openings (676,400) will be due to replacement demand as a result of retiring workers and deaths.

Source: Statistics Canada. Labour Force Survey programme A050921, special request. Link: http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca/r pt2011/IX-5.pdf

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook, 20102011

Source: Statistics Canada. Labour Force Survey. Monthly data: Cansim tables 282-0116 (CMA data) and 2820054 Link: http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca/rpt201 1/IX-1-a-i.pdf

1,027,400

Link: http://www.workbc.ca/docs/BCLMOutlook.pdf

Did you know… Volunteerism plays an essential role in our community both in terms of performing unpaid work as well as giving people a sense of belonging and social cohesion. A total of 12.5 million Canadians or 46.1% of the population aged 15 and over volunteered almost 2.1 billion hours in 2007the equivalent of 1.1 million full-time jobs. The average number of volunteer hours per person was 166. According to CSGVP, fewer British Columbians (46.6%) volunteer than most provinces. More specifically, the Central Okanagan volunteer on average spends 72 hours per year volunteering.

Source: Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating (CSGVP), Kelowna Community Resources, “The Growing Impact of the Nonprofit Sector: A Report for the Central Okanagan.” Link: http://www.givingandvolunteering.ca/files/giving/en/csgvp_highlights_2007.pdf

Acknowledgements Community Leadership Group

Vital Signs Project Team

Anima Anand

Robert Fine

Cheryl Miller

Anima Anand

The Bridge Youth and Family Services

Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission

Project Coordinator Central Okanagan Foundation

The Bridge Youth and Family Services

Mayor James Baker

Harry Grossmith

Jessica Goerzen

District of Lake Country

United Way of the Central and South Okanagan/Similkameen

Assistant Project Coordinator Central Okanagan Foundation

Ellen Boelcke Kelowna Community Resources

Dennis Dandeneau The Bridge Youth and Family

Inspector Calvin Demerais Kelowna RCMP

Aboriginal CATCH Coordinator

Theresa Eichler

Beyond 50 Magazine

Sandra Kochan

Nimble Communications

City of Kelowna Recreation and Cultural Services

Sandra Kochan

Bernard Momer

Mark Oakley

Kerry Rempel Okanagan College

City of Kelowna

Mayor Keith Fielding

Laurel D'Andrea Jill Hilderman

Mayor Sharon Shepherd

City of Kelowna Community Planning

Kelowna Community Resources

Multicultural Society

UBC Okanagan

Catherine Disbery

District of Peachland

Ann Horak

Ellen Boelcke

City of Kelowna Recreation and Cultural Services

Central Okanagan Foundation

Marla Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien Okanagan Regional Library

Christene Walsh Central Okanagan Regional District

Mayor Doug Findlater District of West Kelowna